Group · Condiments & sauces
Tabasco
Tabasco is an iconic hot sauce made from fermented red chillies, vinegar and salt. Recognisable by its small bottle and its sharp, tangy taste, it belongs to the family of spicy condiments that are added drop by drop. Beyond the classic version, there are several variations (smoked chipotle, green with jalapeño chilli, a stronger habanero). In terms of nutrition facts, Tabasco is very low in calories: just 12 kcal per 100 g, with 1.29 g of protein, 0.8 g of carbohydrate and 0.76 g of fat. As it is used by the drop, its contribution is negligible. It is an ally for livening up dishes without piling on the calories.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 12 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 50 kJ |
| Protein | 1,3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0,8 g |
| Fat | 0,8 g |
| Fibre | 0,6 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B60,15 mg11 %
- Vitamin A82 µg10 %
- Iron1,16 mg8 %
- Copper0,08 mg8 %
- Potassium128 mg6 %
- Vitamin B20,08 mg6 %
- Vitamin C4,5 mg6 %
- Manganese0,11 mg5 %
- Vitamin B9dietary folate equivalents2 µg
See the other 12 nutrients
- Omega-6 LA0,4 g4 %
- Phosphorus23 mg3 %
- Magnesium12 mg3 %
- Vitamin B10,03 mg3 %
- Vitamin B50,11 mg2 %
- Zinc0,16 mg2 %
- Calcium12 mg2 %
- Vitamin B30,18 mg1 %
- Selenium0,5 µg1 %
- Vitamin K10,2 µg0 %
- Omega-3 ALA0 g0 %
- Vitamin E0,01 mg0 %
USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy)
Tips
The great strength of Tabasco is its aromatic power: a few drops are enough to wake up a recipe. It is used raw, added at the end of cooking or straight at the table, to keep its freshness and its kick. Use it to liven up a soup, a chilli, scrambled eggs, a ceviche, tacos, a marinade or a Bloody Mary. Its acidity comes from fermented vinegar, which puts it close to vinegar in its role as a flavour enhancer.
Practical tips:
- Add it by the drop: start with 2 or 3 and adjust to your tolerance for heat.
- Keep the bottle away from light; once opened, the fridge better preserves the colour and aroma.
- Combine it with tomato sauces to add a kick without sugar, unlike ketchup, which is often sweeter.
- In a vinaigrette, mix it with oil and lemon juice for a characterful dressing that suits weight control.
Nutrition facts: Tabasco contains almost no carbohydrate or fat, its glycaemic index is negligible and it provides neither added sugar nor any notable amount of fat. Capsaicin, the molecule responsible for the sensation of heat in chilli, gives the condiment its characteristic intensity. It is an excellent way to add flavour without calories when you are watching your weight, as long as you use it as a seasoning and not as an excuse for fatty or fried dishes.
For active people: Tabasco can make high-protein meals, which are sometimes bland, more appetising, such as chicken breast, steamed fish or eggs. It helps you vary flavours during a cutting phase or a balanced diet plan, without adding any calorie load. Just avoid overdoing it right before exercise if you have a sensitive stomach, as the heat can cause digestive discomfort.
Points to watch: Tabasco contains salt, so keep an eye on quantities if you are limiting your sodium, for example as part of a DASH diet. People with sensitive digestion can reduce the amount. To explore other spicy seasonings, browse the condiments and sauces family, where you will also find chilli sauce and salsa. Used in the right amount, Tabasco remains a smart, tasty and light condiment.
